Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly told Trent Alexander-Arnold to seek a summer exit after a troubled start at Real Madrid. Betting angle: reduced minutes and fitness doubts lower his appeal in assist/goal markets; punters should avoid backing him for attacking returns and consider Madrid clean-sheet lines with Dani Carvajal likely to start.
Arbeloa urges Alexander-Arnold to consider summer exit after difficult Madrid spell
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been told he should find a new club in the summer after a challenging start to life at Real Madrid. The full-back, who left Liverpool when his contract expired six months ago, has been hampered by injuries and limited impact on the pitch, recording one assist and no goals in 11 appearances so far this season.
Frank conversation with new manager
New Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly held a frank meeting with Alexander-Arnold this week while the player continues to recover from a muscle injury. Arbeloa is said to have told the 27-year-old that he has no long-term future at the club and encouraged him to move on "for his own good," citing poor defensive work-rate and underwhelming attacking output.
Fitness, form and the fight for a place
Alexander-Arnold is expected to return from injury in February but faces the challenge of displacing club captain Dani Carvajal to reclaim a starting spot. Continued lack of minutes would also jeopardise his chances of making the national squad for the summer tournament unless form improves markedly.
Context: Arbeloa’s early reign and squad atmosphere
Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid’s Super Cup loss to Barcelona on January 11. His tenure has been mixed so far: an early exit to second-division Albacete was followed by consecutive wins, including a 6-1 Champions League victory over Monaco.
Reports from inside the club suggested tensions under Alonso, with several senior players reportedly unhappy; Arbeloa has been described as direct and approachable, providing clearer lines of communication around the squad.
Immediate outlook and fixtures
Real Madrid sit second in LaLiga, one point behind Barcelona, and face Villarreal in their next league fixture. Alexander-Arnold’s status on his return and Arbeloa’s selection choices will be closely watched by supporters and bettors alike.
Betting implications
The reported breakdown with Arbeloa and Alexander-Arnold’s fitness issues reduce his appeal in markets for assists, goals and starting-lineup bets. Punters may prefer to back Dani Carvajal for starts and consider Madrid’s defensive markets depending on Arbeloa’s preferred lineup continuity.
Liverpool Top English Club On Latest Deloitte Football Rich List
The Englishman has endured a difficult spell in the Spanish capital after joining at the expiration of his Liverpool contract six months ago.
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